Council bosses are bidding to have their community recognised as one of the world's safest places to live – along with areas of Iran, China and Mexico.

World Health Organisation (WHO) certifiers are hoped to visit Broadland later this year to decide if the Norfolk district can be named an International Safe Community.

Applicants are asked to show the WHO how it works to prevent 'consequences (human injuries) related to natural disaster', violence and suicide, while also promoting safety.

Staff at the Conservative-controlled Broadland District Council are spending three months gathering evidence to support their bid.

A council spokesman said: 'The only cost involved, other than in time, is in hosting the visit of the certifiers. We would appear on the organisation's website and we would be able to publicise our designation so that companies or individuals looking to relocate internationally would know what a peaceful and safe environment Broadland has to offer. We would also be part of a significant international community, sharing best practice.'

She added it would be further evidence that Broadland, which has a population of 120,000 and includes market towns Aylsham and Acle, is a 'safe place to live and work'.

There are 270 cities and districts around the world currently on the list, including several districts of the Iranian capital Tehran. The UK's only representative is Chelmsford, in Essex.

Nich Starling, Liberal Democrat group leader, said: 'The council spends too much time getting certificates and plaques telling us what we already know.'